Saturday, January 23, 2016

3D Print Your Family Tree

3D printers use melted plastic or fused resin to create objects in every shape imaginable. 3D printers are becoming popular as the technology improves and prices come down.

Charting Companion now includes an option to output Ancestor and Descendant Fan charts as "STL" files, which can be fed to 3D printers for printing as physical objects.

Preview of 3D Fan chart

3D printers range in size and price from small, desk-top units, to large industrial machines. Schools and libraries are now offering 3D printing facilities. 3Dhubs.com is a network of 3D print shops all over the World where you can email your 3D print file, and receive a fabricated piece in a few days.

Typical 3D printers

3D printing is still in its infancy. Low-cost desktop units have a low resolution and small base plate size. Finer resolution and larger pieces require high-end, industrial-grade machines. 3D printers aimed at the consumer market are limited to three-generations Fan charts. A five-generation Fan chart is best done with 8" diameter.

Get Charting Companion today. A 3D printed family tree lasts forever, and makes a great gift idea. Share your story with your family and friends.

Charting Companion charts will make you a hit with your relatives, and the star of your next family reunion.